walkderbyshire

2009-06-30T19:43:00.001Z

NOW HEAR THIS, NOW HEAR THIS!!!

DUE TO SIZE AND LOADING TIMES, I HAVE STARTED A NEW BLOG.
PLEASE GO TO;
WWW.WALKPEAKS.BLOGSPOT.COM
(and, if you want to, become a follower)

THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER POSTS ON THIS BLOG.
THANKS TO ALL MY READERS - I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO ENJOY MY PHOTOS ON THE NEW BLOG,
AND IT WILL LOAD UP A LOT FASTER.
CHEERS,
LES

Eight miles of loveliness

2009-04-26T06:58:00.006Z

A lovely morning dawned for our day off. I said to Sue; "where would you like to go today". Her one word answer was; "high". So, with Kinder Scout on our minds, we set off on this glorious morning, passing this tree just outside our cottage. It's only like this for a few days every year, then it loses its blossom.

My plan was to park at Fairholmes visitors centre, next to Ladybower reservoir, and do a route from there. I couldn't resist this arty-farty shot though, as I noticed the view in my door mirror.
My planned walk was just under eight miles, but in this terrain, and on the route I'd chosen, that also meant we'd be doing more than 2,500 feet of ascent. A hard but rewarding day lay ahead.
Show me a wood in the morning, and I'll show you heaven!
We both LOVE woods at this time of the year. The light is really great on the stark trunks, but there's a promise of life. A few tiny shoots or buds, a lift in the greenery. Whatever, it certainly lifts us!
Already we were being treated to a great variety of birdsong. Only a few hundred yards from the car, and we'd heard many, many varieties.

Also, just a little further on, I saw a little lizard scurry away in the undergrowth. I whipped out the camera, but the morning sun made him much too fast to catch.

This wood sorrel wasn't going anywhere though, and it looked so lovely, leaning against the step.

Lockerbrook outdoor centre.

One of the things they teach at Lockerbrook is drystone walling.
Here's a fine example of before, and after.

We passed Lockerbrook and pressed on up the track, heading S/SW.
When we topped out, we got this super view of the Lose hill to Mam tor ridge.
Now, after all that climbing, we were going to drop right down to Hagg farm, another outdoor centre.

This is a bad picture of a Willow Warbler, but his melodious song deserved a shot. Just after I took this picture, Sue excitedly said; "LOOK, LOOK!". When I looked, there was a deer in the undergrowth. I didn't get time for a shot before it bounded away.

I wonder if they also teach 'observance' at Lockerbrook?
It would be a crime not to see things like this wood violet, which are all over the place, if you just look.

The rocky track, through the dappled shadows, up to Crookstone.

At the top, we were again treated to a lovely view.

So Sue stood awhile to admire it.

Me too.

In the middle of this picture is Jaggers clough, which leads up onto the Kinder Scout plateau.
THAT was where we were heading next, but not before dropping DOWN into the valley in front of us. NOW can you see why there is so much climbing involved today?

Lots of little lambs about this week.

There were lots of these green beetles about as well, but they weren't annoying, preferring to fly away from you, rather than into your face etc.

Quite a pretty thing, with iridescent green wings.

After a while, and after a stop to eat, we reached the top of Jaggers clough.
A look back saw where we had come from. See that U shape? That was where we left the track to start the climb up. The big hill is Win hill.

We skirted around Kinders Eastern edge, then followed round to the Northern edge to see the Alport valley come into view. What had been the perfect day was now turning very cloudy and cooler. Great walking temperature, but would we get wet?
The path lay down into the valley, and yes, you guessed it, UP again over that ridge, and back to Ladybower.

Come the 'glorious 12th', this will be the killing fields.
For anyone who's never seen one, this is a grouse butt, where the shooters lay in wait.

And this is Jubilee shooting hut, where the shooters and beaters gather.

We reached the point where it was all downhill to the car. As you can see, it was getting really cloudy now, and although we felt the odd spit of rain, it came to nothing and we remained dry.
All we had to do now was get back to Bakewell and light the barbie!
A great end to another perfect day.

RHB Part two, the South cliffs

2007-06-25T05:56:00.001Z

A week in Robin Hoods Bay

2007-06-23T20:50:00.000Z

I've been in Robin Hoods Bay for a week, helping to run a friends B&B while they went to Portugal. The weather was awful, both here and there. The only two days I got free, were lovely! Over the weekend, I saw a steady procession of wet, bedraggled and disillusioned walkers file into the B&B. I got the Monday off, so I went on the NYMR (North Yorkshire moors railway). I was lucky it was a STEAM DAY!

When it's 'chuffing' like this, leaning out of the window and taking pics is very hard as you get a faceful of soot to remind you of why the coal & steam age was responsible for the 'pea-soupers' we used to get.

I only went as far as Goathland - one stop, but it didn't stop them charging me £4:50 for the ten minute ride! No WONDER we went electric/diesel! (Nice station though)

Ready to go.

You can see by the sky what a lovely day it was.
I have a nice video of the train pulling out of Goathland station, if anyone wants me to send it, just email back, and I will. This is the last view I got of the track before setting off across the moors. The heather is JUST starting to bloom purple, which surprised me, as I KNOW the moors will be that wonderful purple sea when I come to Whitby in August, so June I didn't expect to see any of the flowers? Is this global warming, I wonder?

This little bridge had some lovely foxgloves growing at the side of it. Most of the stone walls are hugged by this plant at this time of the year (Latin - Digitalis) which, by the way, is the most poisonous plant in the UK.
EVERY part of the plant is poisonous!

....and yet - SO pretty!

I looked across the moors to Fylingdales. There used to be a collection of huge 'golf balls' on the moors, but a few years ago, they disappeared and were replaced by this strange wall-like structure.

Nice shot of a wall leading you up to the blue sky.

I was JUST coming back into Grosmont, and I dropped into a wooded glade. My attention was drawn to the most amazing thing, a young doe! I've walked across Scotland a few times, but THIS was the best and closest encounter with a deer I've ever had. I really felt privileged to stand so close, looking at this beautiful wild animal. She watched me, chewed a bit, and suddenly, was gone in a few bounds. I stood there quite a while, baking in the situation.

That was the end of my first walk. I did a second to Whitby, then up to Boggle hole, but I'll post those pics in another entry later. I hope you enjoy these.

France, next pictures - THE CAVES!

2007-06-22T06:37:00.000Z

The next instalment - which features the cave pictures. As I think I've said, we were really lucky with the weather. Although a lot of days were somewhat overcast, it was always great walking weather and we got 10 mountain walks in, in the 11 available days (day 12 we had to be at the airport for 10:00AM,). The one day it DID rain, and rain quite steadily all day, we decided to visit the Grottes de grande canalettes. I am SO glad we did, as you'll see. These pictures don't even come CLOSE to doing the place justice, it really was that good! You can't hear the music on here, or see the fantastic light show, etc etc. I wish I could bring it to you all, but I can't, only as these pictures. I hope you enjoy them anyway.

Carrying on from where I left off, Mannes & Brenda took us to the bottom of a very steep climb that rose from a col. They decided to stop at this point, as it was unsafe for the dogs on the rocks, plus the snow was deep. We went almost vertically up to this frozen lake. At one point I got Colin to video me as I pressed my walking pole into the snow under my feet. I went right up to the handle! We were searching for a plane wreck, but as you can see, the snow was getting deeper, the higher we went. The weather also started to close in, so we did the sensible thing and came down. If it had come on bad, we really could have been in danger. The lake was at twice the height of Snowdon!

We reckoned that ridge above was where the wreckage we were looking for was. The sky looks lovely and blue, doesn't it?

But when we turned around, THIS is what was approaching, hence the decision to abandon the search and come down.

As usual, this is how the evening started. Brenda put out 'nibbles', and we all had a beer (or two) as an aperitif.
After the nibbles, a more serious course was brought forth.

Always the spiv, Colin decided to do his hair specially for the occasion.

And Mannes was the waiter - note, the bottle has COLIN'S name on it!

The next morning we woke to rain, and I am tempted to say; 'HOORAAAYYYYY!'. Off we went in Mannes' car, and he dropped us off at the caves. We'd seen these caves each time we'd visited this area of France (in the village of Villefranche de Conflente), and often said we ought to visit them. Well, today it was on the cards, so the Grottes de Grand Canalettes had the pleasure of our company at LAST.

I was in awe from the moment we stepped inside the entrance. These pictures aren't bad, but you can't BEGIN to appreciate just how fantastic the place is. It was seven euros to go in (about a fiver), but I would have GLADLY paid twice, even three times that. We were in there for almost three hours, and we were all wonderstruck! All the time, gentle, but exciting music accompanied the walk, our way lit by subtle LED lights (blue on the way in, red on the way out). At the innermost cavern, a HUGE affair, there was a gallery that could seat about 150 people. At that point, there was a fantastic light show spectacle, accompanied in voice by the likes of Pavarotti. I wish I could show you some of it, but it's not possible in email to do so, you will just have to imagine - or visit the place.

These 'straw stalactite's' were fragile, but beautiful.

You can see how sympathetic the walkways are in this shot.

This one is called le chevaux (the horse). It's about two feet long, but SO delicate.
Caused, it said, by magnetic forces and draught.

After being totally blown away by all this, we decided to see if the other caves were open. The 'Grottes de Petite Canalettes' was closed, but the 'Grottes de Prehistorique' were open, so off we went.
WHAT a let-down after the grandeur of the Grand Canalettes. THIS cave looked to be mostly for children, and was tacky to the MAX! Instead of Pavarotti, in this one, we got 'Jurassic Park' music, along with plastic dinosaurs and unconvincing bats in the roof. See what I mean?

Oh, oh - I'm FRIGHTENED (not!).

The rain finally abated, so we took the little yellow train back to Nyer station. As you can see, the skies stayed angry all that night, but we weren't bothered - we'd had a super day!

France 2007 - next 20 pictures

2007-05-30T18:19:00.000Z

Well, here's the second instalment of pictures. I'm not sure I could pick a favourite day, as they were ALL fantastic! Maybe I should have a vote at the end LOL? Anyway, today we wanted to climb this mountain, called 'Bugarach'. There's a really good site with loads of information on the mountain, and area, here; http://www.perillos.com/bugarach1.html

We were driven, as always, by Brenda & Mannes, to a gite. A gite is like a hostel, some are good, some are not so good. The one at Bugarach (also the name of the village), is superb! It's run by ONE young woman, and unfortunately, she was suffering from a VERY bad case of sciatica. I could well empathise with her, as the same thing afflicted me two years previously just before I went to France, and it is EXCRUCIATING!

Before any mountain assault, it's VERY important to relax.
To some people, this simple act comes naturally........

Others seem to find it extremely difficult (and amusing).

Before we started the walk, B&M decided we had to see the most remote village in France. I'ts called Montet! More to the point, this is typical of B&M, their patience and time seems of no regard to themselves, if it means taking us somewhere new, or showing us something interesting.

The village was a picture postcard, really lovely. The drive TO the place was amazing, let alone anything else.

This was the village cat, a lovely tortoiseshell.
Just LOOK at the backdrop to this photo.

A stiff climb marked the start of the walk. It looks a hard climb, but it wasn't too bad, and the weather was lovely, with a soft breeze to keep us cool. At one point, I put my glasses on a rock to wipe my brow. BIG mistake, as I forgot to pick them up and had to return for them after I realised 15 minutes further up the mountain.

At the first col, we came upon these mountain horses. Aren't they LOVELY?
They really remind me of that Guylian chocolate seashells stuff, JUST the same colour! You would think they had been groomed all day to look at their coats, just perfect.

LOOK at that view, just another day in the Pyrenees.

My brother Colin and I, at the top of Tres Estelle - 6,000 feet.

Look, you KNOW you expect it - so here it is - the 'me on a rock' picture.

Beautiful pine cones. All this wild magnificence around us, but I always take time to look near as well, as there is so much else to see. They were very sticky if you touched them.

I call this picture; 'driving towards heaven'

These are Mannes' favourite mountains, because they look like a pair of breasts.
TYPICAL bloke!

We met up with B&M's friends, a French couple. We then went up another 6,000 foot mountain. We WERE in search of a plane wreck from the year I was born, but unfortunately, as we got higher, the snow became very deep, and the wreckage was probably covered, so we gave up. The walk was great though.

You can see the snow getting deeper here.

We DID find a nice bare patch, with some sun-warmed rock, to have lunch though.

In the next set of picture, you will see just HOW deep the snow was as we got higher. B&M decided to wait lower down, and WE took the high road. There's a super frozen lake, and snow at over a metre in depth - I know, because I decided to stick my walking pole in it - and it went RIGHT up to the handle, and still didn't bottom out!
Les

France trip, 2007

2007-05-30T17:23:00.001Z

Hi all,
I have to say, it's really hard to sort through the hundreds of pics I took in France. I'm getting there, but thought you'd like the first 'instalment' to be going on with. I am up to the day we went into some fantastic caves, the grottes de grand canalettes. This was an incredible experience, and I think there are some really good photo's. Of course, NOTHING can do it justice like being there. Those are to come, but for now here's from day one.

These are the people that made it all possible, Brenda and Mannes. We are eternally grateful to them for everything. You just could not buy a holiday like they gave us. They ran us everywhere in the car, knew all the very best places, fed us like kings, had patience when we wanted to take pictures, go further, stay longer, climb higher, and never ONE sigh or cross word. Saints, the pair of them! The dog is Robi, he belongs to Mannes. Robi found the leg of an Izzard (an antelope) on a day walk. God KNOWS where he got it, but within only three hours, the three dogs (Brenda has two Samoyedes) had devoured it, fur, toes, the LOT. Again, those pics later.

This is Brenda's lovely house, 'Les Samoyedes in a little village called 'Nyer' (pronounced knee-air). The balcony on the left is right outside my bedroom, bliss, whatever the weather.

"Make sure you have your boots on - you are walking straight off the plane".
They were the instructions from Brenda. We did a lovely walk through the vineyards, then it turned into quite serious climb to a tower on top of a hill. A good warm-up for what was to come in the following days.

That was where we were making for, that tower. As you can see, it was a lovely, warm day.
You may also deduce that the hill it sits atop looks VERY steep.
It WAS!

I went to France last August, with the sole objective of getting to the top of 'Le Canigou'. At a tad under 10,000 feet, it's the highest I've been on foot. I can tell you now, it is HELLISH cold at that height! No chance of going up there this time of the year though. As you can see, there is a lot of snow

I love this picture. It's got it all, the mountains, the snow, and the flowers.

On the walk down, we passed through a lovely village. There was a ruin on top of a hill, so of course, we climbed up to it for pictures. Brenda & Mannes, as usual, waited patiently for us.

Aren't these little villages just too nice for words?
(But what do the people all DO for a living????)

What a lovely vista.

The ever-present vineyards. The vines had tiny grapes on them, we were FAR too early!

Another view of Canigou.

Mannes' house has a wonderful view of this mountain, which he loves dearly.

Looking across the valley to the mountains.

We were sent out on our own this day, to go up the Caranca gorge. Brenda wouldn't take the dogs, as it's far too dangerous.
You'll see why soon. I actually was drawn off the path by what we could see above us, so we had to go back again later in the holiday, led by Brenda, to do it again, and it was WELL worth it.

Once I saw THIS above us - I made a bee-line for them! If only I'd known, these are good, but the BEST balconies were further up the gorge, where Brenda told us to go. I am too impulsive!

As we climbed higher up the gorge, the views got better and better.

After taking the shot above, I just turned around, and this was behind me.

How's your head for heights? This path just drops away to the gorge floor, a LONG way down.
Not so bad, IF the path looked stable!
Does this look stable to you? No - me neither.

View over the edge - you need a steady hand and foot up here.

See the path we came up on below?

Some sections were quite a breeze though.

I do the French speaking, cooking and wine pouring and Colin, my brother, does the navigation (very well too, I might add).

You don't have to speak French to know this is telling you to be VERY careful up here!

Just a kid at heart, there was a carpet of fallen leaves. Well, we couldn't just leave them LYING there - could we?

That's the first 20 done. I hope you like them.

I am really looking forward to posting the cave ones - oh go on then, ONE sneak preview..........

My fifteen minutes of fame

2007-05-18T18:45:00.001Z

www.lunasa.ie

If you haven't heard of them, you have no interest at all in Irish folk music. Lunasa are a world famous band, selling out most of their venues. They travel extensively, but when they are within 150 miles of me, I get a ticket to see them. Last Wednesday they appeared at Nottingham University (a sell out), and I was in the second row.

Anyway, after the last time I'd seen them, at Litchfield, I was my usual gushing self about the performance. Mind you, it is always perfection. I jokingly sent a; 'Jim'll fix it' email to their site for me to play with them on stage (one of my hobbies is playing the bodhran, or Irish drum). It was very tongue in cheek, and I just forgot about it.
I checked my emails just before going on Wednesday, and there was one from Tracy Crawford (the lead of the band's other half, I guess), saying my email had only just been seen, then going on to apologise that there was NO WAY Lunasa could invite an unknown onto the stage without practice, knowing ability, etc etc. She was very nice about it, and I was a bit embarrassed, as I hadn't really expected them to agree to it.
Anyway, off I went to Nottingham University's Djanogly theatre. First half, fantastic, second half, just as good, then they came back for the encore, and Kevin suddenly announced they were going to dedicate this last song to Les Singleton (yours truly). I was stunned, to say the least, but what happened next was he got me up, took me to the stage, (for some bizarre reason made me put on one of those Day-Glo vests), and then the band struck up. I was given the drum, and off we went!
It was a dream come true, and I think I 'held my own'. I even got a smile & a wink from the usually dour Cillean Vallely - praise INDEED! Sean Smith looked over and winked too, and that really put me at ease. Well, after our little number, the auditorium erupted, and I was SO proud! Here I was, in such fantastic company, me - and I had actually played along with Lunasa.
Does it get any better?

Thanks lads.

On my JOLLIES!!!

2007-04-24T06:18:00.000Z

Hi all, I am now on holiday in France for 12 days - more pics when I get back.

Les

A trip to see old friends

2007-04-20T06:58:00.000Z

This entry describes a walk around the area near to Cerrigydruddion, about 20 miles beyond Corwen. I went to visit some friends there.

When I first started doing long distance paths (LDP's), my third one, in 1993, was the Pembrokeshire coastal path (diary of this walk can be found here; http://walkdiaries.blogspot.com/2006/07/pembrokeshire-coastal-path-diary-les.html .

About 4 days into it, I met Ron, and his wife Rhiannon, and had a couple of days walking and meeting/chatting with them. Amazingly, we have kept in touch over the years, and I finally decided it was time we had a 're-match', so at his kind invite, I went over to a little village they live in called 'Cerrigydrudion'.

Here are my friends;

I KNOW Rhiannon won't thank me for putting her picture on here (shy little flower, isn't it), but I have to say, I think I caught them just right, and it's a nice shot of them.

On the way down, I passed these lovely castle remains.
It is in Ellesmere, and it just took me to capture it.
Nice that the swan posed for me too.

This is the miners track up Cwmannog woods. It was quite a steep path, but we plodded on and up.
A short while after this was taken, a young girl in what looked like waitress garb came striding the other way - complete with white shoes and dress!
As you can see, although warm, the day was hazy. And for this reason, I'll include some of Ron's pics, taken when it was clearer, so thanks to Ron for them.

Looking down on the disused Klondyke copper mine. The walk would traverse around the hills to the left and behind the mine, and we were to visit it later in the day.

looking towards the disused slate quarry

Llyn ceirionydd from the west side. This was a bit of a honeypot, and there were quite a lot of people here. The morons were out in force too, and we saw a crowd who had put TWO disposable BBQ's directly on one of the wooden picnic tables. Rhiannon took it upon herself to tell them, and to my surprise, there wasn't a torrent of abuse in return.
I don't think they'd take any notice though, and I wouldn't bet on them taking their rubbish away either!

A fine figure of a man.

Creigiau Gleision in the gloom. Nice show of Gorse though.

Cornel Farm & Llyn Ceirionydd.

Klondyke copper mine & silt beds

May blossom and an old cart at Cymannog farm

The date on the pulpit in Llanrhychwyn Church.

The roof of the old church.

Plenty of nice little clumps of violets, lots of wood anemone too!

Ha-harrrrr - Jim lad!

If any of you out there are thinking; 'I MUST tidy that shed out this weekend',
well - here is the most UNTIDY shed in the world (alleged).

And now, courtesy of Ron, a few clear pics.

And with a sigh and a goodbye, we headed off home. My thanks go to Ron & Rhiannon for their invitation, transportation and hospitality. Oh yes, and for the sharing of food. I did a really clever trick. After making up the most DIVINE sandwiches of ham, roast beef (separate), salad, olives, blue cheese etc, I promptly left them on the back seat of the car to slowly broil in the 28C sunshine. Ah well, I like banana sandwiches Rhiannon, thanks XX

Sample information plaque

2007-03-20T18:03:00.001Z

This is a sample plaque for wall information. I have uploaded it at full size, so if you click on the picture, you should get a much larger version that you can read. If you right click on the large picture, and select 'save picture as', you can download it to your own PC, then open it in an image program and blow it up to read the detail. I hope this helps.

Les

Nottingham trams & the castle

2007-03-18T10:35:00.000Z

I decided a day out to Nottingham was due, as I really like that city. It was a nice day, this was what I saw when I started out in the morning. I just love clouds :-)

I parked on the outskirts of the town, and took the new NET tram to the city centre. The new square was supposed to be opened for the Xmas market (see earlier entry in this blog), but of course, whoever believes a builders promise? Here it is, still 'almost finished'. To be honest, I preferred the old square, and think that the millions they have spent on 'improving' it were wasted. However, I suppose you have to make the best of what you've got, and residents will eventually get used to it. This is the view at the moment, with my back to the council house (that's the next target to spend more of the taxpayers money - a re-vamp of the building).

Boring and flat, isn't it?

This isn the view towards the council house.
Boring and flat, isn't it?

Some things are sacrosanct though, they wouldn't DARE take the lions away.

Many a tryst has started with the words; "I'll meet you at the lions".

Now these I DO agree with! Sleek, comfortable, and affordable. The new trams are worth every penny, and the long inconvenience to traffic they caused during construction and track laying.

I think they SO fit in with the city, and I use them whenever I go.

This is looking up The Poultry. The old Flying Horse pub is on the right. I spent many a happy night there when I was young, now no longer a pub :-(

Looking down exchange walk, with the flower seller.

This is inside a shop. I was amazed at the great prices for really nice stuff. It's called 'stone the crows', and is on Hounds Gate.

No trip to Nottingham would be complete without a visit to the castle. I was really disappointed to find they are now charging £3:50 for a 'combined ticket' for the castle and the museum. As I lived in Nottinghamshire for twenty years, I have seen the museum and castle dozens of times. All I wanted to do was walk the grounds to take a few pictures of the windmill at Sneinton, but that's not now allowed. Pay or stay out, is the rule. Wrong, in my opinion.

The impressive gate of Nottingham castle.

The Man himself - Robin Hood (well - his statue, anyway).

You'll notice he is arrowless - they keep getting stolen!

He stands in the courtyard below the castle.

The Robin Hood way starts from the yard in front of the castle gates.

A lovely old lace market building, dismantled and rebuilt next to the castle.

It now sells the famous Nottinghma lace to tourists

The oldest pub in England since 1289 AD, don't believe the pretenders!

It's an amazing place, with nooks and crannies hewn out of the sandstone of castle rock.

The museum is just further on.

Nottingham has always attracted players, entertainers, minstrels etc over the years. It still does, and this guy gave a great show of fire eating and juggling.

I hope you have enjoyed the short tour. As I said, there is another entry when I was there just before Xmas, if you look back in the archive of this blog.

Drystone walls - a pictorial tutorial

2007-03-02T00:20:00.000Z

At Wirksworth, Derbyshire, there's the National Stone centre. As a lot of quarrying is done in the area, it's there to educate people all about stone, why we need it, what it's used for etc etc.

I suppose it also helps to atone some of the guilt the big companies feel about decimating the landscape, as they often have their little 'supplied by' plaques on various seats/exhibits/walls etc. The quarries HAVE provided, and continue to, a lot of empolyment in the area, so it depends on how you look at things as to whether you agree or are against it.

All that aside, I have always been interested in stone walls. They are, to me, a quintessential part of the countryside, especially in Derbyshire and Yorkshire. They do tell me, the 'folk in the know', that Limestone is one of, if not the, most difficult mediums to wall with. This accounts for why we have so many champion wallers in the county. I watched one, Gordon Wilton, walling in the Manifold valley one day. It was like watching a painter. The wall he built is just SO perfect, I always think of him when I see it. Now it has some 'age' on it, and a bit of greenery here and there, it looks even better.

His tight and neat style means his walls will stand for a VERY long time!

Anyway, enough drivel, on to the centre. This is the 'guilty plate' I was talking about. It has all the info' on the walls (collectively called 'The Millenium wall'), and a; 'this plaque was supplied by' dedication at the bottom.

Each wall has a descriptive notice on the end of it, telling you about the style of wall, where you will find walls like it, etc. It also alludes to the method of construction. Some walls look as if they are just a pile of stones, not very strong at all, while others, like Gordon Wiltons, look as if they will stand forever!

Also dotted around the centre grounds are some pieces of stone 'art'
I leave you to draw your own conclusions on this.

So, on to the walls. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. If you click on the title of this entry, there's a link to the stone centre, where you can get all the info' you need about it.

A touch of snow

2007-02-08T21:24:00.000Z

No big write-up on this one. We got the promised snow, that's it!

Actually, the media went into overdrive, over-hyping the threat. We were supposed to be BURIED in the stuff, but in fact we got about an inch or so.

These pictures are around Codnor Park reservoir. It was frozen over, so the snow settled on the top of the ice. Always a nice touch, I find.

It was snowing quite heavily when i stopped the car, but it soon abated.

Still, this was a nice picture of the flurry.

A pristine track, with no footprints in the virgin snow.

I think this ice would be TOO thin to skate on.

Sticky snow, great for snowmen and snowballs. No time for either, though.

This Robin was a bug**r to catch on camera. He kept flitting about, This was the only one I managed to get of him. They are usually quite co-operative, but not today!

A walk around Trentham gardens.

2007-02-05T20:02:00.000Z

Last saturday, I took a trip to see Trentham Gardens, near Newcastle Under Lyme. I'd heard my Mum talk of the place, but I'd never been, so I thought it was time to put that right. I chose the most perfect of days, as it was cold, crisp and clear. I walked around the edge of the lake, up to the monument, back down through the woods, and back to the car, but not until I had had a taste experience (more of which in posting below).

Here's the lake view that greeted me. The sun was melting the frost wherever it kissed it, and a slight mist hung over the water.

I suppose I could do the; 'you can see their cox' joke here, but I don't want to spoil the effect of this photo.

(Oh - too late, I've already said it..........LOL)

Halfway round the lake, and this is the view along it.

A perfect tree, against a perfect sky.
'Nuff said!

This guy was called Granville Leveson-Gower. He was the first duke of Sutherland. You can find out more about him here (copy and paste this into Internet Explorer); http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granville_Leveson-Gower,_1st_Earl_Granville

The lake was very popular with scullers.

This shot makes reminds me of water boatmen beetles!

Bullrushes and the lake.

Woods and forests always fascinate me. In a good light, they are beautiful.

Today was a good light

The warm weather had brought out some early 'visitors'.

.....and caused others to recline!

The next day I walked to, and around, Buxton. You can see the pics on my other blog at www.pearlsofthepeak.blogspot.com

Oil Heaven

2007-02-05T19:25:00.000Z

As you'll see from the photo's above, I went to Trentham gardens last Saturday. After a lovely walk, we visited the 'retail area'. I'm not really into these places, but I spotted the 'country larder', and my mind turned to interesting cheeses and the meat deli'. There WAS all that, but the crowning glory was the oil and balsamic vinegar selection. I only had a quick taste at first, but was soon hooked. They were, without a DOUBT, the finest flavours I've ever tasted in oil and vinegar. I had already selected two bottles, when Karl, the owner and 'recipist' came out to where I was enthusing over his wares. He is SO devoted to what he does, and he showed me how to mix the already gorgeous flavours to create even better, more complex ones.
If you are over that way, I strongly suggest you go and get your buds tickled, you will thank me! Apart from the oils etc, there is a fantastic range of other yummy food (bread, cheeses (over 100) and meats).

Steam train pictures

2007-01-16T20:29:00.000Z

At the weekend, Kingsley & Froghall Station saw the arrival of a V.I.T. (very important train), the Great Marquess! Here are a few pictures, for those train spotters among you.

REAL ale - REAL warning!

2007-01-04T18:57:00.000Z

I thought I'd regale you with this sign, which hangs in the real ale pub; The Three stags Heads, at Wardlow Mires.

Please.............DON'T ask!

More mists and frost

2006-12-26T15:26:00.000Z

Here are a few more misty pictures, allied with some nice frosty ones. We had one of those very heavy, sticky frosts, so I made the most of it. The one picture I didn't get was one of a frozen spiders web - next time, maybe.

These deadheads always hold frost well, but i just thought these two were particularly good.

I stopped the car to get these pictures, doesn't this field look magic?

I bet those cows don't appreciate all this beauty!

A very Merry Christmas to all my viewers!

2006-12-21T07:47:00.000Z

.....and a happy and peaceful new year.

Christmas mists

2006-12-20T19:21:00.000Z

October is supposed to be the month of mists, and mellow fruitfulness, NOT December!

Well, there's not much fruit about (outside Tesco's anyway), but today saw some really pretty mists around Wirksworth and Crich.

I took these pictures from the roadside. What a wonderful place to be, eh?

This one is looking across to the tiny hamlet of Alderwasley.

This one is the camera turned to look up the valley towards Crich village. I love the cows in the foreground, munching away at the grass.

This is the Crich cliff, in reality, a quarry face (which was recently re-opened). The tower on the top is Crich stand, a memorial to the 17/21st lancers. Information can be found here;

http://www.qrl.uk.com/h_17_21.html

This is the same picture with the zoom off. Don't forget, you can click on any of the pictures to get a larger version. It's really ethereal when you see the land like this.

Another, similar view.

One last one, as I just LOVE the way this looks in the mist.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my 'fruitful' account of a misty Derbyshire day.

Please feel free to sign the comments book.

Xmas trip to Nottingham part 1

2006-12-11T18:40:00.000Z

Around the end of November, the German market comes to Nottingham. I LOVE the atmosphere, pretty stalls, food and drink, and the lights too! It's a lovely day, or night, out and, coupled with the rest of the Xmas activities, for me it's a MUST! I had an extra reason to visit Nottingham this year though, the ALL NEW market square, which was due to be completed for Christmas. Did someone say 'trust a builder'???? No? THOUGHT not because, as expected, it was a massive disappointment to find the square nowhere NEAR done, with a fence right around it and notices telling that it was now due for completion in March,. 2007. I won't be holding my breath.

The day started with the sight of the Salvation Army Santa, along with his hoardes of collectors. The choir was nice, but better was to come at the old maket square. Don't forget, you can click on any of the pictures to enlarge them, and also, if you click on the title of the post (Xmas trip....), there's a link to the 'visit Nottingham' website.

Here's the spire of St Peters church. This is at the bottom of exchange walk, and looks down on all the festivities below.

Indian Pan Pipe players. Pan Pipes are as old as the hills, but I had to chuckle at the battery of modern gear behind this 'authentic' band. They had a portable generator, mixing deck, echo machine, etc etc. Of course, there were the ubiquitous CD's on sale too!

Now THIS is what you CALL a choir! They sang their hearts out, and were very good too. I watched them for many a while on the council house steps before moving on.

Looking along some of the German market stalls.

Please go to part two (below)

Xmas trip to Nottingham part 2

2006-12-11T18:33:00.000Z

There were one or two stalls that looked decidedly UN-German like this one! It was African crafts! (Had some nice stuff, though).

Here's the sausage stall, before it got busy, and BOY! Did it get BUSY!

I counted 200 sausages on here, and later on, they couldn't keep up with demand! I'd like the cash takings from this stall, at the end of the day.

When you're in a city, any city, look up. There's the most sublime architecture on show. Most people miss it, but I always take time to look up. This little spire, for instance. A lot of pride and craftsmanship went into this, what a shame if it goes unnoticed?

Here too, pressed into the side of a building, is a little topped out spire.

And just LOOK at the workmanship on these figurines over the Council house frontage!

Inside the shopping malls of Victoria and broad marsh, they've really gone to town on the decorations. This tree was really well done.

Please move on to the last part, part three (below)

Xmas trip to Nottingham part 3

2006-12-11T08:08:00.000Z

As darkness started to fall, the other side of the Xmas decorations surfaced - the LIGHTS! All the stalls on the market took on a different look, the sort of look that gets children (and me) excited and expectant.

People milling around at the side of the council house. It was more crowded than it looks - I waited quite a long time to get this shot.

Look now at the way things look.

Under the Xmas tree - Santa's sleigh and reindeer.

The lovely Christmas tree in market square.

Lights on exchange walk.

The dome on top of the council house. Whoever had this idea deserves a pat on the back. The columns are lit up in an array of colours, changing hue every five seconds or so. This sort of show comes second only to fireworks, in my book.

And so I boarded the tram to make my way home. I never tire of Nottingham, but I am not sure I want to be there too long after dark!

Who's dreaming of a white Christmas?

2006-12-08T07:13:00.000Z

'I'm dreaming, of a white Christmas......' well - no need to dream in Norway, they are all ready for it NOW! I was checking a few webcams after returning from the country, and this one is of a place called Finse. It's the highest railway station in Norway, and they got the first snow in early November. I have kept an eye on it, and it has snowed quite often. Guess what though - the TRAINS are STILL running! If you want to know just how much snow they are coping with, look at the fence posts in the foreground on both pictures.

You can often see folk skiing by, or sometimes a train in the station. No 'leaves on the line' or 'wrong type on snow for the Norwegians! (PS - can you see the Xmas tree and lights that have gone up as well???)

Robin Hoods bay Victorian weekend

2006-12-07T23:46:00.000Z

The weekend of the 1st of December (a VERY special date) saw the Robin Hoods bay Victorian weekend. I have attended this before, and it's usually a really good weekend with many of the locals entering into the spirit, but this weekend was slightly marred by the spectre of 'health and safety'. I WON'T get on the soapbox here, just suffice to say, I really don't think kids should have to wear goggles to watch Punch & judy - and neither do they need traffic control in the bay. TWELVE accident free years this weekend has been running. If it's NOT broken - DON'T fix it! Anyway - here are a few of the 'players'.

This lady wasn't playing at it - she really could spin, and to a really high standard too!

How about this for a proper handlebar moustache??? This man is a pukka gen member of the British handlebar moustache club, and a nice guy to boot!

This is Ann, she is one of the BEST squeeze box players I've ever heard. Her 'box' is a Cooper, and was made from bits and bobs. NOT what you'd call a Heath Robinson affair - it took THREE YEARS to make, and cost her a lot of money. The finished article was well worth the wait, and has increased in value accordingly. Not that Ann would sell it!

HEAR YE - HEAR YE - TWO TOWN CRIERS SPOTTED IN ROBIN HOODS BAY!

HEAR YE - HEAR YE!!!

I SAY Watson - I seem to have found four LOVELY wenches!

Now then, now then, Mr Holmes - we'll have none of THAT shenannigans here..........

What a LOVELY couple - one of many that made the effort for the weekend.

So - there you go then, Robin Hoods bay Victorian weekend in a nutshell! I hope you like the pictures, and next year, why not try and get there yourself? My FAVOURITE B&B is here;

http://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/html/where_to_stay/streonshalh.htm

Tell 'em Les sent you!

Peckforton Hills walk

2006-11-25T20:22:00.000Z

Not strictly a 'walk in Derbyshire', but then I usually put those up on the other blog ( www.pearlsofthepeak.blogspot.com ). This was a walk in Cheshire, the Peckforton hills, to be precise. An area I haven't walked much, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the day.

This is the view from the first slope of the day. The plains lie all around, and the vista was pretty good as it was a nice, clear day.

On the top of Rawhead, there was the ubiquitous Trig' point (or 'Ordnance column', as Wainwright used to call them).

These are the 'dropping stones'. I'm not sure how they got this 'handle', but there may be information on the link. Just click on the link below the title (above) and read more (I haven't read the link myself yet).

This is a distant view of Peckforton and Beeston castles.

I know - they are a LONG way off, but it's the closest I got!

Birch bracket fungi on a fallen tree trunk. This fungi is also called the 'razor strop fungi', as it is said barbers used to use it to sharpen up their cut-throat razors, the surface is SO rough.

Peckforton woods.

More fungi, I am not sure what it's called, but it tasted of br...............................

(sound of Les falling to the floor)

How posh is THIS???? Broxton hall. I had brunch and a pint here. The date above the window said that part of the hall dated from 1671, but the various parts have different dates, having being added to over the years.

More fair pictures (part one below this post, sorry)

2006-10-07T17:26:00.000Z

.....of COURSE, no visit to the fair would be complete without a pot of mushy peas, and here's JUST the lady to satisfy that particular wish.

Mmmm - LOVELY!

Now then, after my peas, which ride should I go on........

Maybe a bungee jump?
No, I think not! Just a tram ride back to the car, and a sit down will do.

Roll up, roll up - all the fun of the fair!

2006-10-06T07:06:00.000Z

"THE FAIR'S COMING, THE FAIR'S COMING!!!"

How that shout used to excite me when I was a kid! To be honest, it still does.

I was born, and lived until I was twenty years old, in a place called Strelley, on the outskirts of Nottingham. The city is famous for Nottingham lace, it's castle, the Olde trip to Jerusalem pub (circa 1189) http://www.history.uk.com/articles/index.php?archive=30 , Nottingham Forest football club (maybe not so much now, but in Brian Clough's heyday, we were known the world over) and it's Goose Fair! The latter is what this part of my blog is all about.

Well I remember, in the early days, the short trip that seemed to take FOREVER as my Mum, brother and sisters sat on one of the the special buses that were laid on for the Goose Fair. The knot in my stomach had been tightening all week, and was now so tight that I couldn't sit still. As we approached, you could smell the fair first, then hear the throbbing of the huge engines that provided power for the whole affair, and the cacophany of noise from the many loudspeakers on the rides.

The bus disgorged us onto the street right at the side of the fair, and at once we were in the melee. The first thing you saw were the 'hawkers' - these were people who were selling small items like hats, bows and arrows (we ALWAYS had one of those), and, one thing that sticks in my mind, those little 'magic Mexican dancing beans'! They ALWAYS fascinated me, and the sellers were very adept at making them run this way and that in their hand. I could never seem to get the same performance from the ones I bought!

"Hold my hand, and don't let go". These were the usual instructions from Mum. My sisters were also charged with keeping hold of me, as I was the youngest of the brood. Being small at a fair is NO fun! You spend you time looking up from the middle of the slowly moving crowd. Sometimes, if Dad came too, he would put me on his shoulders. That really WAS a treat - I could see EVERYTHING from there!

The 'old days' (God - I really sound old) seemed the best. The coconut shies seemed good value, and the rides were an affordable price. These days, when I go, the rides seem exhorbitant! One was FIFTEEN pounds each! many were a fiver. I must admit though, the atmosphere is just as electric these days! I LOVE to walk round and see the faces of the excited kids, smell the smells, listen to the sounds, and just imbibe the whole experience! The fair is always best at night, and that's when these pictures were taken.

Here's a view across the forest recreation ground, with the fair in full swing.

And here is the hub-bub of the crowd. Some would feel threatened by this, but I LOVE it! Saturday night is always the busiest.
It's like Blackpool come to town! This view really gets the hairs on my arms standing up. THE FAIR IS HERE.

The rides these days are super, but you DO need a strong stomach and a head for heights.

Eat your candy floss and peas AFTER going on THIS ride!

(or you run the risk of losing them)

France 1

2006-09-28T23:13:00.000Z

Here are the two people that are responsible for three WONDERFUL holidays in the French Pyrenees. They are called Brenda and Mannes.

We first met them by chance when we all slept in the same gite one night while Colin & I were in the Basque region. It was just them, my brother Colin & I. This chance meeting led to an invitation to visit them after they had done the little walk they were on - the EIGHT HUNDRED kilometre GR10. Oh, and just to make it that bit more interesting, they were doing it with two dogs.

I can't begin to express how grateful I am for the ensuing holidays - they have showed us the best, the most incredible, the secret, and the special places around where they live. Mannes lives in Vernet le Bains, and Brenda lives in a small village called Nyer, about an hour south west of Perpignan. Nothing is too much trouble for them, and they will go to any lengths to make sure their guests have the best time. Believe me - they never fail!

So - thanks to them both as, without them, most of this would not have been possible, and I doubt we would ever have visited this stunning part of France.

With four days holiday remaining this year, I decided to blow the lot on a trip to France. I've always been in spring before, so wanted to see it in a different season. Usually, when I go, I eat fresh cherries straight from the tree off the patio outside 'my' bedroom at Brenda's house. This time it was ripe figs, pomegranates and walnuts! Walking on the hillsides and mountains in France is a sensory feast, as the smells are divine! The fresh herbs get crushed as you walk, and the aroma wafts along with you. Of course, there are the flowers too.

Anyway - the journey began with Brenda taking a TWO HOUR drive to Carcassonne to pick us up from the airport. Typical of Brenda, she decided not to take the motorway back, but to go through the 'Gorges de St George', as it was prettier! It was also quite spectacular (and S-L-O-W, as we got behind one of the many log lorries on the way.) HOW these monsters negociate the gorges is a mystery. They often take up all of the available road, often forcing cars to reverse to allow them to continue.

Here's a big truck going through one of the small tunnels.

But it made me ponder - what DO they do when they get to an overhang like this? The answer is, they just move right across to the left - and they just get by. NOT a job for the feint-hearted!

Sometimes, inevitably, two big lorries meet. These two leaned out and shook each others hand as they inched past each other. When this happened in front of us, I really didn't think they'd get past each other, but they are used to these tight squeezes and take it all in their stride.

This 'little' blighter was found in the glove box of Brenda's car! It was tucked in with the coke cans. I am surprised it was still alive, as the glove box is kept very cold by the air con. We released him - probably MILES from where he lives though :-)

Please go to the next part 'France 2'

France 2

2006-09-28T23:00:00.000Z

What can I say about views like this? Well, I'll say this - you should GO to the region and just see for yourself! Every day was a treat, every view stunning. We had a little drizzle the first day we were there, but after that it was sunshine all the way.

The flowers are so pretty too. This little filigree beauty was one of many we saw. It was very noticable that the flora was a lot different from when I was here in May earlier in the year. The insects were a lot more profuse too, and I got some great pictures. There's always one you miss though - mine was a grasshopper that had wonderful blue wings when it jumped. I tried and I tried, but I never did catch it with them open mid-jump.

A few clouds on the first day only made for some terrific ray pictures. This picture changed by the minute, and I often found myself taking eight or nine, then culling them to the best one or two later on.

Here we are then - Brenda's lovely palace, on a hillside above the little village of Nyer. You can see what a lovely position it occupies. The view from the bedroom balcony at the front of the house overlooks the valley, and the night skies are totally unpolluted by light, so star-gazing is a must. Of course, Brenda has a telescope for the job (it's also employed to look for Izzard (Chamois antelopes) on the mountains.

On the Sunday, Brenda arranged a BBQ for about 35 or 40 friends. It was held in Nyer chateau, a more grand setting is hard to imagine. Complete with; 'Romeo, Romeo, - wherefore art thou' balconies, and old wine presses, block paved floors, a fossil grotto, palm trees, etc etc.

Oh yes - and the mountains that surround the Nyer gorge and village.

Here's the balcony - on the right there........

In the evening, I went for a stretch up the gorge. Here I am looking over the village. I could just sit here for the rest of my life. The feeling of tranquility you get is amazing. better than any pill or potion to combat the blues (if you have them).
Please go to the next part (France 3)

France 3

2006-09-28T22:41:00.000Z

This is the path up the gorge. It's a bit 'hairy', and not what you'd call safe. there are many rock falls across it, plus parts of the path have collapsed and in some places you have about a foot wide path, and a hundred foot drop! However, if you're not afraid of heights, it's a great place. There are tunnels, very high mountains and waterfalls all encompassed in it. I also found bats in the roof of the tunnels. They were tucked up inside drill holes in the roof. You can only go so far, as the bridge that used to be there has been washed away. It's about 20 feet, maybe 30, above the river, so you can tell how much of a wall of water came down that day when it was hit. I am told that 'log jams' build up, and when they collapse, the wall of water that comes down is what does all the damage. Some people who were camping in Nyer were killed by the deluge, so now camping is not allowed there anymore.

This is typical of the sort of views you get in the area. The 'big daddy' is a mountain called 'Le Canigou', and I have always wanted to go up it ever since I first saw it. It really dominates, and is a great draw. Mannes has a perfect view of it from his house. On this trip, they made my dream come true, and drove us to 6,000 feet. It would have been a two-day trip if I had started from the base, so the 'leg up' was much appreciated. It was nice and balmy when we set off, at about 5,000 feet it turned a bit 'parky' - at 9,000 it was REALLY freezing. I had the full gear on (except I was wearing shorts!!!!). My fingers were so cold, I had pins and needles for about two hours after coming down off the top! I still feel it was worth it though, and I would love to go up there again on a perfect day (like the day we left - it was completely clear and looked stunning in a blue hue.)

A view from Canigou on the way up. Not into the snow/ice line yet, but it was getting much cooler at this stage.

Looking up at the summit - an exciting moment for me. You can see the dusting of snow and ice up there. By this time, it was VERY cold, with a very low wind chill factor to boot. This (the French) side of the mountain was clear, with stunning views, but the Spanish side was disappointingly cloudy.

Oh well, mustn't grumble!

Looking over the French side. Those mountains are very reminiscent of the Scottish Mamore range. I'd like to see this view in winter with snow on the tops.

Looking along the path on the way up. It even LOOKS cold on this shot, doesn't it? A few more feet, and I would be on the top!

Here's the moment I topped out! I actually stayed on the leeward (Spanish) side of the summit to eat lunch. It was a little sheltered, but I STILL was shivering as I sat there with my butties! The cloud rolled away to reward me with fleeting views of the Spanish side, so I was happy with that. I got some good shots of the topographic plate, and the cross (with LOTS of memorials attached to it) on the top. Mountains always attract memorials to people - Ben nevis is the same.

Please go to France 4

France 4

2006-09-28T22:25:00.000Z

Here, as you can see, it was a bit cloudy on the Spanish side of Canigou but I got this, and a couple more, fleeting views while eating lunch on top. You can see that the vegetation had rime ice on it. This is the stuff that used to sink trawlers. It sticks to things and makes them heavy. The best example I ever saw was in Derbyshire. It had formed on a fence that was normally only a couple of millimetres thick - with the ice, it was more like four INCHES!!!!

After a hasty lunch, we set off back down to the backdrop of a perfect sky. I am really SO moved by this sort of view. JUST look at it.

Another day - another treat! Brenda took us down to a small settlement called 'Villefranche de Conflent'. The famous little yellow train has a station here, and the line upward is, they say, one of the best train journeys in Europe. I have been on the train before, but it was a lovely day, so I decided to have another go! I was dropped off at V de C and went as far as Mont Louis, where the French Commando's are trained. Mannes and Brenda took the dogs for a walk, then came and met us at Mont Louis, and brought us back home.

This is the suspension bridge. During the line's construction, the man who built it all was on the inaugral trip. Something happened, I think the train ran away - the guard forgot to put the brake on - and the train tragically fell from this bridge, killing the creator in the process, along with several other people, so he never got to see his great feat of enginerering come to fruition.

Here's another bridge - this time an impressive stone viaduct over the road.

We alighted at Mont Louis, and then went into the village to have a walk around. As it was such a clear day, we got some great pictures. This one was taken from the walls that surround the village.

I am not really one for churches, but I DO like to see the opulence that usually constitutes the altar. This one looked like it was quite lavish.

And that's it!

I DO have lots more pics, but I thought this was enough for here.

After Mont Louis, we returned to Brenda's for yet more of her wonderful hospitality, and a wine or two with her and Mannes.

The great Kinder Scout beer barrel race 2006

2006-09-10T20:51:00.000Z

The great Kinder beer barrel challenge - read all about it!

Earlier on this year, we went into the Snake Inn for a beer at the end of a walk. I spotted a 'certificate' on the wall - and was amazed at the content. It alluded to a race - the KINDER BEER BARREL CHALLENGE. I looked at it - and was AMAZED that the time to cross Kinder (4.5 miles, but over HORRENDOUS terrain) was under an HOUR!

NO! - SURELY not - it MUST be some mistake? It wasn't! There was a legendary team by the poncey name of 'Gladioli' that was a collection of crack fell runners, and to date, they have NEVER been beaten! The name, I am told, came by way of a local lass who was in 'Gladiators' (the TV program) and who was something to do with a team being entered. That team never materialised, BUT this other team decided to name themselves 'Gladioli' as a sort of antithesis to the Gladiators. Now - the name has stuck - and they are ANYTHING but 'poncey'!

Last Saturday, I decided to go and see what all the fuss was about and here, for your edification, are the pictures to show what it IS all about.

The following text is COPYRIGHT of;

http://www.planetfear.com/article_detail.asp?a_id=368

In 1999, the unthinkable happened in the isolated village of Edale in the heart of the Peak District. The popular Nags Head inn ran out of ale.

Fortified by a pint or three, the locals (NB - the instigator was named Trev Townsend) came up with numerous ways of rectifying the situation (none of which involved relocating to one of the other nearby pubs!). The most popular solution was for a group to walk over the high moorland of Kinder Scout to the Snake Pass Inn to bring back a full 44kg barrel. Although there is arguably some sense in this – it is only 4.5 miles over the top as the crow flies, as opposed to 17.5 miles around by road – their addled brains had overlooked the strenuous 1,000ft climbs and precipitous descents at each end and the featureless peat bogs in the middle!
The disbelieving landlord jokingly wagered 100 pints of free beer to the group should they manage it, and thus is responsible for the birth of the arduous test of endurance, strength and teamwork known as the Great Kinder Beer Barrel Challeng

Here we go - this is the view I got of Kinder Scout on a warm, balmy morning. PERFECT conditions, you would think, to drag/shove/haul/push a full barrel over rough moorland. I ask you - are there ANY conditions you could deem 'perfect' for such an arduous task???

I think NOT!

(Don't forget - click on any picture to enlarge)

Here's the Nags Head at Edale on that very morning. No-one here yet, as all the action was taking place at the Snake Inn, 4.5 miles away across the boggy moorland to our North. One of the Gladioli team, I am told, was here at the crack of dawn to walk over the moors BEFORE the race, to 'warm the old legs up' before the race began!!!!

Some people are just TOO masochistic for their own good!

Here's a view up to Grindsbrook (pronounced GRIND - rhymes with HIND - as opposed to GRIND - rhymes with WIND). The spectators are few, but hardy!

This is Kinder Scout, and today it looks fairly tame, but in a high wind, or with snow, or at ANY time, it can bite you! It's the highest point in Derbyshire, and it has its own mountain rescue team.
Please go to the link below to continue. Blogger is a bit restrictive, and only allows so many pics, and I have exceeded it!

The great Kinder Scout beer barrel race 2006 (Continued)

2006-09-10T20:09:00.000Z

There we were, having an 'extreme picnic' (Guinness book of records informed) when this shower of LOONIES came over Kinder Scout's Southern edge - hauling bloody BEER BARRELS!!!!

WTF????????

Anyway, luckily, we were not 'en route', and so avoided being crushed and/or mashed. We watched these 'gladioliators' go past us, and felt a bit sorry for them. Here were we, full of olives, ham/beef sandwiches, Danish pastries (we take our picnics SERIOUSLY - NO slacking here!), and these poor devils were running fit to bust, for the Nags at Edale.

From the shirts, I think this is the Snake Inn team (front - Fat Lads team in blue, behind).

The Snake team were closely followed by the 'Fat Lads' team. All teams are released from the blocks at five minute intervals (or is it more?), and so this is a feat to catch a team in front!

TEARING down the hillside in a really admirable way are the Gladioli team (below). They came down here at an AMAZING pace! It's no wonder they are the masters when it come to this race!

They were no sooner above us, than they were running down the hill towards their goal - Edale! This team were focussed, and nothing, and no-one, was going to stop them retaining the title, although this year, they were harried into a VERY close race by the second placed Edale team!

The Snake Inn team were tired here, but then - who WOULDN'T be????

All credit to the lads, they 'done well'!

Here are the 'Gladioliators', dismantling their chariot. There was a hot time in the old town that night, but to be honest, they (Gladioli) were given a HUGE shot across the bows! I reckon, with a bit of training, and the bit between their teeth, the second placed team (Edale) can wrench the cup from the hands of the Gladioli - who cheekily left one team members tee shirt in the trophy, they were THAT cocksure of retaining it. The gap was but seconds - will we see a NEW champion team in 2007 -I am on my way to Ladbrokes NOW!

On the walk back to the car, this scene inspired me to take one last picture. Rather fitting, I thought?

Party in the Park, Darley Abbey

2006-09-05T17:00:00.000Z

Last Sunday (3rd September), I went to the Darley Park 'party in the park'. I've been going to this (free!) concert for about five or six years now, and I ALWAYS enjoy it. It's all organised by Derby city council, and it's the biggest free classical concert in the UK. This was the first time we had a little rain, accompanied by quite high winds, but not much, and not for long! A few desultory showers, which soon passed, then it turned into a LOVELY evening - even the wind dropped to a slight breeze, so the fireworks could be enjoyed at their best. I always get there early, and have a picnic. It's not like having to queue to get in somewhere, you just turn up, select your 'pitch', get out the wine and picnic, and the orchestra are usually having a practice, so there's always something going on. One thing I wasn't keen on was some Northern Indian music, sitars etc. I can stand a little of this, like when I'm having an Indian meal for example, but to have 1/2 an hour of it 'forced', was not my idea of a good time. I did have to ask the question - if I went to an Indian music festival, would there be a thirty piece orchestra put on for me and any others in the audience? I think not!

Anyway - here's the park a couple of hours before the concert began. Not too many here yet, but starting to fill up a little.

Half an hour later, and the spaces are beginning to come at premium.

Then the rain fell! But - LOOK at this guys smile, it says it ALL! It's a great atmosphere, and everyone seems to be in a good mood. A little rain wasn't going to dampen spirits!

As you can see, a large area in front of the stage was cordoned off, as the ground had been badly churned up by the sound vehicles erecting the speakers (which ended up having to be towed around at the back of a TRACTOR!)

After the concert - my favourite bit - LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY, AND THE FIREWORKS!

I have NO idea what the council spend on the pyrotechnics, but it's WELL worth it! They were, as always, spectacular. They went on foir what seemed AGES, and the noise and light was awesome.

I could put LOADS of pictures up on here, but to really get the full effect, you need to go there. I look forward already to the first weekend in September next year, that's the date of the next one.

A super finale, and that was it. Over for another year, but thanks to Derby city council and all the sponsors for another wonderful party in Darley park.

The FAMOUS and WONDEFUL Magpie fish taster!

2006-08-23T21:13:00.000Z

As an addition to the last blog, I thought you might like to see why I LOVE the food at the Magpie so much. THIS little beauty is the 'fish taster'. It has SO many different flavours, and is never the same twice, as they use what's in season and available.

I must say, the four times I have had it, it has been top drawer! I love ALL the food at the Magpie, but this one is my particular favourite.

After a good 15 minutes - the damage is evident! The poor fish never stood a CHANCE! Yes - I ate it all - yes, call me 'shellfish' if you like!

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAH!

STRETCHER BEARER!!!!!!!!

(Applause from the sidelines)

Whitby folk week

2006-08-22T06:14:00.000Z

This weekend saw the Whitby folk week take place. As one of my hobbies is playing the bodhran (pronounced BOW-ron), I have been going to the festival for years. It's a great week, although I usually only stay for four days as by then I am played out and ready for a rest! If the weather is good, the streets as well as the pubs are alive with music. Not just 'finger in yer ear' type stuff, but all sorts of folk music and dance. Another of my hobbies is walking, so I also get to walk the cliffs by the sea. I LOVE the sea, and wish I lived nearer to it.

The view of the harbour, from the 99 steps up to the abbey, is a classic. Here it is, taken from about a third of the way up the steps. The weather forecast was for mostly rain and showers, but the whole weekend was like you see here, apart from one or two little squalls.
Once you get ensconced in a pub, the mood and music take over and it's all for one - one for all! These impromptu sessions are my favourite. There are LOTS of organised concerts, with luminaries from the folk music world, but this is where the bare bones of the tradition are to be found. Sometimes you can't get into the pubs, especially if word has got around that one of the greats is at that session, which often happens.
One of the things I also look forward to is eating fish and chips, REAL fish and chips - the sort you only find at a fishing port. The Mecca is, of course, the famous Magpie cafe, opposite the fish dock. Some of our greatest chefs have eaten here and declared it the best! I had to go and check for myself, and after doing that many years ago, and becoming a convert, I now visit at least once, but often more, each time I go, Judging by the constant queues at most times of the year, many, many others have the same view as me. This, naturally, leads to queuing outside - something I and many others are QUITE prepared to do. If it rains, staff come out with Magpie umbrellas so you won't get too wet! The food, staff and ambience just CAN'T be beat, and I have been served by my favourite waitress Maureen, for as long as I've been going.

A fly has appeared in the ointment though, as some of the neighbours (from hell) of the Magpie have complained to the council. I mean - we CAN'T have people being more successful than them - CAN we?? I am amazed and incensed that the council even BOTHERED to respond, but respond they HAVE and, instead of actually BACKING the success of the Magpie, decided to make their life difficult by insisting on trying to make people queue ACROSS the road! I have written to the council concerned at; highways.northyorkshire@northyorks.gov.uk about this ridiculous situation. They should be applauding the Magpie for all the business and visitors they bring into the town, NOT getting on their case!

Here is the daft situation - see the 'pedestrian waiting area' across the road (and SEE how a passing car could present danger to people crossing the road to eat???). ONLY the council would make you queue at the side of rubbish bins before going to eat - CHARMING!

Here is how it was and should be left - people happy to queue

The place I love to stay is called 'Holmleigh' This place is run by a brick ***house called Kev, and his lovely wife Carol. Kev is a gentle giant (as long as you don't cross him), and is PERFECT f'ront of house'. NOTHING is too much trouble for them, and if you act like an adult, there are no rules, just come, enjoy, make yourself at home. The house is kept lovely, and the breakfast is one of the best. Here are the happy couple - aren't they lovely?

So, that's it for another year, folk music wise, at Whitby, but my love of the place means it won't be long before I'm back - I need a 'fix' at regular intervals!

Norway pics, posting two

2006-08-12T19:08:00.000Z

Here are the second lot of photo's of Norway. I have had some strange effects trying to upload these, and some wouldn't go, but I hope these are OK.

This first one is one from the deck at sun up. I got up most mornings at 05:00 to see the sunrise, and believe me, it was WELL worth it! If you go to somewhere like Norway, you have to get as much out of it as you can. It's not a stay up late and lie-in holiday - that's not what it's about. It's a see as much as you can holiday. I did have a 03:00am late night, but that was on a sea day!

Once the sun had risen, this was the sort of view and colours we got. As the holiday progressed, it just got better and better. I feel SO lucky to have had what I did in Norway. As I have said, it was a dream location, and the dream was as lovely as it could have been.

I decided to book a trip to the Briksdal glacier (pics of that later) and that was stunning. However, for me, the trip up the valley TO the glacier held the most beauty! This valley was singularly the best and most beautiful place I have ever been to, and I mean that! I took LOADS of pictures, and I hope they can convey a little of what it was like.

The lake was still, llike a big mirror. All around were high mountains and steep walls of rock.

This was the view from the car park of the Briksdal glacier. Again, a really stunning place with waterfall after waterfall - all glacier fed. The area hadn't had a lot of rain, in fact they have had a good summer like us, but there was NO shortage of water here, the glaciers saw to that.

This waterfall was the DADDY! The thundering sound could be heard from 1/2 a mile away! Here, we had just crossed a bridge where we got a soaking in lovely, cold spray. I must admit, we deliberately walked slowly and enjoyed the cold shower on what was a very hot day.

PERFECT Norway cruise!

2006-08-08T17:18:00.002Z

Well, I've just had a really TERRIFIC time in Norway, courtesy of P&O and the wonderful Arcadia! The sea was flat all the time, the sun shone every day, and the scenery - WOW!!!!!!! I have never had such a great holiday, only problem is, I put back 1/2 a stone in weight :-) If you could SEE the food, I ate in Gary Rhodes restaurant, and the Orchid Thai, and of course, the rest of the time I was WELL fed by the Meridian restaurant. This is the third time I've cruised, but this was by FAR the best!

No - it's not me walking on water - I am actually on the roof of a boat on the glacial lakes of Olden. The views just got better and better.

This cloudy-looking scene was at about 5:00am. I got up every morning at that time to watch the lovely sunrises, and also made sure i saw every sunset too.
You can see the glacier on the top of the fjord in this picture.

The sides are incredibly steep, and the depth of the fjord can be anything up to 3,000 METRES deep.

This photo can not do this scene justice. I can tell you, I and the dozen or so other people on the decks that morning were absolutely mesmerised by things. It was just so beautiful and serene, very moving.
Here, the sun is up, and the sky is once again blue. This was how all the days went, and it was great, but it DID tend to 'burn out' photo's, that's why the best ones were taken either later on at night, or early in the morning.
I left the Arcadia at Eidfjord and climbed part of the way up the side fjord wall until it was too difficult to go any further, and I was rewarded with this picture of 'our lady' at rest in the harbour.
A self-portrait of me on a rock at Eidfjord.
This was one of many, many fabulous waterfalls. With the fjords being so steep-sided, it was waterfall heaven! The best one was still to come at Olden, BUT this one will do for now.
That's all for now, but I took just under 1,000 pictures! I also went up in a sea plane at Bergen, so I'll post more pictures later - so please call in again in a few days (oh - and sign the guest book).

Les

Norway, here I come!

2006-07-29T06:26:00.000Z

ONE sleep left!!!

Yes - that's ALL there is, and I will be aboard THIS baby, heading for my dream destination - NORWAY!

I've been checking the forecast, and have all my fingers and toes crossed that we'll get clear days to take all the pictures. This will be my last post (cue bugle) before I go, so I'll no doubt have a picture or two to blog when I get back.

To all those of you at work -

SHAME!!!!! HAHHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Butterflies

2006-07-26T22:38:00.000Z

BUTTERFLIES!!!!!

Here are a few pictures of butterflies, taken in a NOT lovely position, but they ALWAYS look lovely to ME!

The bush they are on is a Buddleia.

If you can, set one in your garden - it will pay you dividends when you SEE the huge array of butterflies and moths it attracts!

That special feeling

2006-07-22T06:31:00.000Z

There's a very special feeling that only people who have done something like a long distance walk get. When you have tramped, day after day, from one side of the country to the other, and THEN.........THEN you see that glittering expanse ahead - well, I really can't put it into words how that makes you feel! Maybe this picture will convey it somehow?
Of course, for every up, ther's a down - natural really. You DO feel quite depressed when it hits you that the sojourn is over :-(
The best way to combat this, I always find, is to plan the next one! One persons view of how all this feels is at; http://members.ozemail.com.au/~kconnell/

I have written several diaries myself on some of the LDP's (long distance paths) I have done, and intend to put them on here.........WHEN I get time!!! LOL

(NB - diaries are NOW on Blogger at;

www.walkdiaries.blogspot.com )

Some like it hot

2006-07-19T06:59:00.000Z

I know it's a bit blurred - but I just wanted you to see how bl**dy hot it was yesterday, and they are saying it's going to get even HOTTER today - PHEW!
This was taken in my car around 1:00pm, and it remained at this temperature for about 3 hours. I think last night was one of the most uncomfortable of my life, even though I had a fan going in the bedroom ALL night, and lay on top of the bed.

2006-07-17T18:47:00.000Z

Some like it HOT!!!!!!
And today, if you're one of those people, it was JUST right for you. For me - I HATE it when it's like this. Today showed 36C on my thermometer, and that held for at least three hours. Thank God for air con', that's all I can say!
As you can see by the forecast, it was only supposed to go up to 32C, and they are saying 34C for tomorrow, so I'm wondering what it really WILL go up to?

2006-07-17T06:44:00.000Z

GOD Caruthers, the heat and the flies!!! (And those DAMNED native drums). LOL - well, that's how it feels here, it is REALLY hot (although my mate Ed in Utah poo-poohs our temperatures, regularly sending me HIS weather forecast, which has temp's akin to Hades!).
Yesterday I had a day off from walking, and went to the great Ashbourne Highland Gathering.
This event, in its 22nd year, is a dream if you like all things Scottish. If you don't, well I suppose it would be a nightmare. Me? I fell in love with the skirl of the pipes when I walked the coast to coast walk, and heard a lone piper playing in the Ennerdale forest. To me, it sounded ethereal, romantic, drawing and sombre. It REALLY fitted the scene. I was told later by my B&B hostess that he played there regularly because his wife HATED the pipes, and wouldn't let him play near the house! (Damned sassenachs!).
The day at Ashbourne starts around 10:00AM, and there are dances, highland games (watched over by none other than mr Geoff Capes, our very own strong man (retired). Geoff holds the record for tossing the stone, which is a bit like putting the shot, but a more 'pure' version, using a real stone. The record has stood for a very impressive TWENTY TWO years!!!! Now, when you think how many really strong men there have been in recent years, particularly the Scandinavians, that is some record!).
The day progresses with all sorts of side shows, from jugglers to magicians, folk bands to fairgounds, and ALL in a village fete setting. If you're within striking distance of Ashbourne, the date for the 2007 show is SUNDAY 15TH JULY 2007. WELL worth a visit. Put it in your diary.
The best, though, is saved until last. ALL the bands, from grade three up to grade one (genuflect here) mass on the parade ground, play before the crowd and the Chieftain Then, en masse, they proudly march through the streets of Ashbourne (closed off) and play their hearts out! God, the hairs on my arms are standing up now just THINKING about it! Anyway, there's a very old pub in the town centre called; 'The Green Man and Blacks Head' (not very PC, I admit, but I really care more for history than PC), and the pipe majors (they're the ones who twirl the fancy chrome sticks at the front of the bands) try to THROW their batons OVER the pub sign, which goes from one side of the street to the other, about the height of the first floor windows. If they successfully throw it over AND manage to catch it, they win a huge bottle of Scotch whisky. Those that dare NOT to 'have a go' are heartliy booed by the huge crowd that gathers to watch the specatacle!
It all ends around 7:00PM, and a damn good day was had by all.

Countdown to cruise - THIRTEEN sleeps!!!! :-)

2006-07-15T06:45:00.000Z

YIPPEEEEEE!!! The weekend is here :-) I live for the weekends, and I reckon the government should allow SPECIAL dispensation for folk like me to retire early, say - thirty-five? Who wants to be at work, when you can be enjoying life?

Today it's a friends birthday, and she's being given a surprise party at Butterley railway museum; ( http://www.midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk/English/high2006.html

It's what they call a 'champagne breakfast'. Sounds good - I'll have some of THAT then!

There's a French market in Wirksworth today, and as I love France and all it's food etc, I'll be going to see if I can pick up some treats. Tomorrow, it's the Ashbourne Highland gathering. I've been to this for the last couple of years, and I love it. You have to like bagpipes though! Luckily, I do. I'll take a picnic this year, as it really looks like picnic weather, and just have the whole day there. The day finishes with the band majors trying to throw their batons over an overhead pub sign for the prize of a bottle of best malt Scotch whiskey, no mean or easy feat, I can tell you. http://www.ashbournegathering.com/

ONLY two WEEKS tomorrow (or, to measure it officially, fourteen sleeps) until I go to Norway. Have you ever been so excited, you could burst????

2006-07-12T17:47:00.000Z

Hi, here we are on day three (or, rather, here I am - NO guest book signings, so I am probably talking to myself - but they DO say it's the only way to get any sense!)

Another lovely day. Azure blue skies here, with a bit of a breeze. Too strong really for a BBQ, but I hold great hope for tomorrow. It better be good, as I have got the meat etc in now, and will put stuff into marinate in the morning. Don't you just LOVE outdoor cooking and eating (or it is just a bloke thing?).

I had a good walk around Eyam, (pronouned eee-m) on Sunday. It was only 11 miles, but enough in the heat. My brother Colin and I started from Hathersage, and did a circular walk. We had lunch on the seats in the village square, and a welcome pint in the Miners arms (reputedly haunted by two lost female souls). There's a very good list of previous landlords - quite an impressive record - hanging in a frame on the wall.

I really want to add more pictures to this blog, embedded in the text, but each time I add more than one - they ALL appear at the start of the page - REALLY annoying :-(

I wish someone would give me a clue!

A close friend of mine is doing the coast to coast walk on her own, and I've just seen the weather forecast for the next few days - hot, hot, HOT!!!

It's Ashbourne Highland gathering this weekend - Scotland brought RIGHT to our door here in Derbyshire. It's a really good day, I've been for the last two years, and I wouldn't want to miss it now! Ashbourne is a pretty good place, I wish I could afford to live there, but alas, house prices reflect that it's a nice place in a nice location, hence mega-prices! They have the famous 'Shrovetide football' (or, rather, ROYAL shrovetide, to give it its proper titkle). What do you MEAN, you've never HEARD of it?????

http://www.ashbourne-town.com/highland/

See YOU, Jimmy!

2006-07-11T06:47:00.000Z

Another lovely morning dawns here in God's own county. It's just a shame I have to work! No matter, only NINETEEN sleeps until I go on a cruise to Norway - and BOY - I can't WAIT!!! This will be my third cruise, the others were taken for the ship and experience on board - this one is a dream location. There were three places in my 'wish list' to go. First is New Zealand (south island), second was Peru (Inca trail), and third was Norway and the fjords. Now I am about to realise that dream, and I'll be going on this baby! (see above).

My first blog

2006-07-10T18:40:00.001Z

Well, this is my FIRST go at 'proper' blogging. Here's a picture of me and my brother, Colin. We are on holiday in the south of France, that's why we look so happy! We have walked three times in the Pyrenees in the last four years.

Here I am looking towards the Med' on a PERFECT day.

Here we go - my first blog! This is me, the name's Les, and I am, (on this date - July 10th 2006) 52 years old.
I LOVE walking/hiking/rambling - call it what you will, and get out almost every weekend. I have been doing this as a hobby since 1986, and it helps to keep me fit. I also love photography, which goes hand-in-hand with walking, and have a substantial library of pictures from everywhere I've been, expanded even more by my foray into digital a few years ago.
I live near the Peak District in Derbyshire, and that's where most of my 'home' walking is done. Every year though, since 1991, I've done a long distance walk, usually lasting around ten days, and usually accompanied by my best friend and brother, Colin.

The walks I/we have done so far are;

Offa's dyke.

Pembrokeshire coastal path - 170 miles (twice)

The English coast to coast walk - 177 miles

The Scottish coast to coast walk (Southern Upland way - 212 miles).

Dales way - 95 miles, started in Shipley.

Wicklow way - 82 miles.

Cleveland way + Tabular hills link walk - 156 miles

And my very favourite, and in my opinion, the best British walk there is;

The West Highland way - 95 miles - (four times - yes, I LOVE it). The first time, we did Ben Nevis as well (most do this). The second time, we did the Aonach Egach ridge - supposedly the best ridge walk in this country, and it WAS spectacular. Diaries of some of these walk can be found here; www.walkdiaries.blogspot.com

Colin & I have also been to the Pyrenees four times in the last five years. It's a walkers paradise. We did the Basque region for two years, walking about 180 miles of the GR10 LDP on the first visit, then, thanks to two very good friends, Brenda and Mannes, have explored a lot of south eastern France, Roussillon area. We are deeply grateful to Brenda and Mannes for making this dream come true.

I hope to add to this blog on a regular basis, and will try to create some sort of album for the pictures, but for now, that's it!

Day one - SORTED!